Police Officer Allegedly Takes Over Property Following Welfare Check

An officer from the Lauderhill Police Department in Florida is facing serious criminal charges after investigators say he took possession of a deceased man's home and impersonated the former owner for years. The events unfolded after a welfare check in 2022 led Officer Brian Sguros to discover the body of Dennis West, who had died of natural causes in his Lauderhill home.

Alleged Identity Theft and Property Possession

According to court documents, just weeks after discovering West's body, Sguros took over the two-story home, valued at around $400,000, which was located in a well-kept neighborhood near Fort Lauderdale. Sguros is accused of using West's identification to pay property taxes and utilities, and to obtain permits for extensive repairs. Investigators claim he crafted an elaborate scheme to make it appear as if West was still alive, engaging in what authorities describe as police officer fraud and identity theft.

Significant Home Repairs and Use of Deceased Owner’s Identity

Sguros stated in legal filings that the house was in disrepair, filled with trash, with a partial roof collapse and stability issues. He claimed to have spent more than $200,000 of his own money over two and a half years on home repairs, hoping to prevent squatters and secure the property for the community. He defended his actions by maintaining that he believed he was acting lawfully in restoring an abandoned and dangerous house.

Official Misconduct and Criminal Charges Filed

This week, Sguros was arrested and charged with five felonies, including official misconduct and the criminal use of a deceased person’s identification. Court documents assert that the deception began when Sguros falsely informed the Broward County Medical Examiner that he was friends with West and that West had no family, which investigators later determined to be untrue. Authorities also accuse him of using his law enforcement position to access confidential information about West, raising concerns about law enforcement abuse and the broader issue of real estate fraud.

Legal Dispute After Property Sold

The case came to light after a real estate group purchased the home from West’s relatives in 2025. Sguros, who had claimed possession of the property with the county appraiser earlier that year, then filed a civil suit seeking reimbursement for the repair costs he incurred. His actions have now led to a suspension from his police duties, and his legal team has yet to respond to requests for comment on the ongoing legal investigation.

Ongoing Investigation and Next Steps

The Broward County Sheriff's Office continues to investigate the extent of Sguros’ alleged scheme and the misuse of his position in carrying out the reported property possession and fraud. The outcome of both the criminal and civil cases remains pending as legal proceedings move forward.

Source: abcnews.com.